Student Housing in Montreal (2025): What You Need to Know Before Renting

If you're heading to Montreal for school in 2025, finding the right place to live is just as important as choosing the right program. Montreal is one of Canada's top student cities—thanks to its lower cost of living, rich culture, and walkable neighbourhoods. But with thousands of students arriving every year, housing can be competitive. Whether you're new to the city or moving neighbourhoods, here's what you need to know about student housing in Montreal.

Start with Your Priorities

Before jumping on rental listings, take a moment to figure out what really matters to you:

• Budget: Most students spend between $600 and $1,200 per month on rent, depending on whether they’re sharing or going solo.

• Commute: How far are you willing to travel to campus each day? McGill, Concordia, UQAM, and Université de Montréal are all accessible by public transit—but neighbourhood choice can affect your daily life.

• Living Style: Do you want your own space or are you okay with roommates? Private studios offer privacy but are pricier. Shared apartments are more affordable—and often more social.

• Furnished or Unfurnished? Many student rentals come unfurnished, but furnished options exist—especially in co-living spaces or short-term sublets.

How to Choose the Best Student Housing in Montreal

With so many options available, choosing the right student housing in Montreal can feel overwhelming. Here's a step-by-step approach to help narrow it down:

1. Set Your Budget Early

Montreal is more affordable than many other Canadian cities, but costs can add up quickly. Figure out what you can realistically spend each month—not just on rent, but also on utilities, transit, groceries, and your phone plan. If you're looking for simplicity, a furnished all-inclusive unit—like those offered at Montreal Aparthotel—can help you stick to a fixed monthly cost.

2. List Your Must-Haves

Think about what’s non-negotiable:

• Do you need a quiet space for studying?

• Is having your own bathroom important?

• Do you want in-unit laundry? Make a list of essentials vs. nice-to-haves. This will help filter listings quickly.

3. Choose the Right Neighbourhood

Montreal has a strong transit network, so you don’t have to live right next to campus. But neighbourhoods still matter. Are you looking for nightlife and cafés (like Plateau or downtown), or something quieter and residential (like NDG or Côte-des-Neiges)? Visit a few areas, if you can, before committing.

4. Understand the Lease Terms

In Quebec, most leases begin on July 1st and run for a year. Make sure you understand:

• Whether utilities are included

• What rules exist about guests, noise, and pets
  Who's responsible for maintenance and repairs. 

• Always read the fine print, especially if the lease is in French.

5. Check for Flexibility

If you're an exchange student or only in Montreal for a semester, look for short-term or flexible lease options. Sites like Montreal Aparthotel cater to students who need monthly furnished rentals without locking into a long contract.

6. Visit in Person or Request a Tour

Never rent a place sight unseen. If you're abroad or out of province, request a video tour, and ask for recent photos. Confirm details like heating, water pressure, and security.

7. Talk to Other Students

Join Facebook groups or Reddit threads for students in Montreal. Peer reviews and tips from those who've lived in the building or with a particular landlord can save you a lot of trouble.

Best Student Housing in Montreal: Popular Neighbourhoods for Students

Each neighbourhood has its own vibe. Here are some of the most student-friendly areas in 2025:

• Plateau-Mont-Royal: Artsy, walkable, full of cafés and parks. Close to McGill and UQAM.
  Milton-Parc (a.k.a. McGill Ghetto): Right next to McGill. Convenient, but a bit noisy and expensive.

• Downtown/Concordia Village: Ideal for Concordia students. Highrises, shopping, and nightlife.

• Côte-des-Neiges: Affordable and multicultural. Close to Université de Montréal and HEC.

• NDG (Notre-Dame-de-Grâce): Quieter, residential, and close to Concordia’s Loyola Campus.

Housing Options for Students

On-Campus Residences

Available at most major universities, these are ideal for first-year or international students who want convenience and structure. Meal plans, study lounges, and student support services are usually included. However, spots are limited and often fill up fast.

Off-Campus Rentals

Most students live off-campus in rental apartments or shared flats. These range from budget-friendly rooms in older triplexes to newer builds with better insulation and modern finishes. Expect to sign a 12-month lease, especially if you're renting through a landlord or management company.

Homestays

Living with a local family can help you adjust to the culture—especially if you're coming from abroad. Meals are often included, and leases tend to be more flexible.

Co-Living Spaces

This is a growing trend in Montreal. These fully furnished units often include Wi-Fi, cleaning services, and shared amenities. Great for students who want a hassle-free experience without the isolation of a studio.

2025 Rent Price Snapshot (Average Monthly)

Note: Prices vary depending on proximity to downtown, condition of the apartment, and whether utilities are included.

Where to Look

• University housing offices: McGill and Concordia both have online listings and in-person housing help.

• Rental platforms: Try liv.rent, Kijiji Montreal, [Facebook Marketplace], and [Student.com].

• Montreal Aparthotel: For students seeking furnished, flexible-term rentals, Montreal Aparthotel offers a variety of options. Their apartments are fully equipped with kitchens, Wi-Fi, Smart TVs, and in-unit laundry. With locations near metro stations and downtown, they cater to students looking for convenience and comfort.

What to Watch Out For

• Scams: Never send money before seeing a lease or confirming the legitimacy of a listing. Avoid landlords who won’t meet you or show the unit.

• July 1st Madness: Montreal’s traditional “moving day” is July 1st. The rental market gets very busy in June, so start your search in March or April if possible.

• Lease Language: Most leases are in French. If you’re unsure, ask a friend or legal aid to review it before signing.

Student Discounts and Resources

• OPUS Card: Get the student version for discounted STM public transit fares.

• Financial Aid: Quebec students may be eligible for rent support through Aide financière aux études or city subsidy programs.

• Legal Help: The Tribunal administratif du logement (formerly Régie du logement) offers free info on rental laws and disputes.

Final Tips Before You Move

It’s best to thoroughly check the apartment before you sign. Ensure the heating is working, the windows close properly, and the appliances are operational. Look for signs of mold, pests, or water damage, depending on the age of the building. Make yourself familiar with your rights as a tenant in Quebec. Rent increases have to comply with provincial regulations, and there are rules for the landlord to abide by if they ever need to terminate a lease—eviction cannot occur without going through proper channels. 

When it’s time to move in, you’ll need to think ahead. Student favorites IKEA and Structube are where many students get their affordable furniture and staples. If you strike gold, you may get the luck of being assigned a furnished apartment—particularly if you’re renting for the short term or through the agency Montreal Aparthotel. Either situation, being settled into your new apartment is much less complicated when you have planned beforehand.

In Conclusion

Montreal is a fantastic city to be a student, but finding the right place to live takes effort. Start early, stay informed, and don’t rush into any decision. Whether you’re looking for a private studio, a room in a shared apartment, or a furnished house for students in Montreal, there’s something for every budget and lifestyle.